Saturday, November 26, 2011

In the December 2011 issue of Southern Living, there's an interview with Maya Angelou. The writer asked her "how do you celebrate the season?" Her response: "I try to see every day as a celebration. I wasn't promised November the 10th. Nobody has sworn to me that I'll be around December 25th. No. So every day I awaken I am grateful. My intent is to be totally present in that day. And laugh as much as possible."

What does it mean to be totally present? With our sometimes overloaded lives, how do we start to be present in every moment? I first heard this concept as a grad student at the University of West Georgia in their Psychology program. It was here that I was introduced to terms like transpersonal, humanistic, and existential suggesting that there was a deeper and more intimate way to experience life. And, Maya Angelou offered the key word that was heard over and over again: intention. Intention is synonymous with purpose, goal, and aim.

That says to me that you have to make a conscious decision to be present--look at people when they're talking to you, stand outside to feel the sun and the breeze on your skin, etc. But the simplest way to begin being present is just to do ONE thing at a time. All of you is attending to one thing creating a fuller experience and it adds to the quality of your life!! :-)

But don't just take my word for it. Read what others have to say and begin to practice being present in your life:

Friday, November 11, 2011

What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd realized it sooner. ~Colette

Do you know how wonderful your life is right now? Despite where you are, where you've been, or even where you want to be, your life is wonderful! Your fate could have been so different. Yet, you're alive and you have the chance to do whatever your heart dreams!

Take a break and list your blessings. After you've taken some time to think, choose a song that would be the perfect theme music for your life today! :-)

Sunday, November 6, 2011

"So much of what we think will make us happy, simply doesn't.
Of course, the idea that happiness comes from within is nothing new. Two
thousand years ago Seneca cautioned that though you may 'cross vast
spaces of sea' in an attempt to escape the stresses of your life, you
will fail to find peace or happiness there because 'your faults will
follow you withersoever you travel' as 'you flee along with yourself.' "~~Lisa Rivero

One point in this article is the message we've heard so many times before: happiness is not something that you find. It's something that you create. So, why do so many of us get stuck in "looking" for happiness? I'll stop now and say that this may sound contradictory to yesterday's post because I used the word "pursuit". However, I meant pursuit in the sense of striving. Pursuit in the sense of seeking ways to create your own happiness. Ok back to our regular show :-)

So, why do so many of us get stuck in "looking" for happiness? Ms. Rivero suggests that we're asking the wrong question. Rather than asking what do I want in order to be happy, we should ask what do I want to be. The answer to the last question will lead to a happier more fulfilled life, therefore giving us the freedom from having to get what we want. Makes you think, huh? :-) Well read the article and give me your take on it. I'll continue discussing this article in another post.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. ~Author unknown, commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin

You have to catch happiness yourself! :-) Love it! Too many times we are waiting on something to happen or someone to come into (or even leave) our lives before we can experience happiness.

If I've learned anything, it's that you have to take responsibility for your life. No one owes you anything. Don't get caught up in what you think people are supposed to do for you. We have a lot of expectations of family, friends, government entities, and places of worship. Ultimately, this life's journey is between you and God.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Lately, life has pushed me to expand my interests more. I've been exploring possible new career fields, healthier ways of eating, reading more books, just getting outside my norm. Then today, I read this article that suggests that we can make happiness endure by cultivating new interests. Maybe there's some merit to the idea. :-) I've definitely felt better!

Ford is even getting into the live life to the fullest philosophy with their new commercials. Their new slogan? For those who live life for a living.

As I go through all kinds of feelings and experiences in my journey
through life -- delight, surprise, chagrin, dismay -- I hold this
question as a guiding light: "What do I really need right now to be
happy?" What I come to over and over again is that only qualities as
vast and deep as love, connection and kindness will really make me happy
in any sort of enduring way. - Sharon Salzberg

As a counselor, it is to empower you to access your full potential and live more authentically!

As a poet, it is to share words to inspire love, deliverance from hurtful situations and encourage a renewed relationship with God.

As a speaker, it is to provide a dynamic experience which will actively engage you and your group in learning and growing.

My professional background includes over 14 years as a Career Counselor providing education planning and career guidance. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and National Board Certified Counselor with a Master’s degree in Psychology. My publications include After the Sixth Day: Notes from a Spiritual Journey and Pain is Fertile Ground—poetry collections focused on spiritual awakening and growth.

On a more personal note, the southern lady that I am loves to cook (have you seen my Pinterest board?) and have fun with my family! Are there any two things that bring more joy to a G.R.I.T.S. (Girl raised in the south)? Lol

I hope we stay connected because new ventures are on the way to enlighten your mind and to partner with you to chart a course for your success!